Carport Rules: Doylestown vs Levittown
How do carport rules rules compare between Doylestown, PA and Levittown, PA?
Doylestown and Levittown have similar restriction levels.
Doylestown, PA
Bucks County
Doylestown Borough requires a building permit for any carport. Detached carports are treated as accessory buildings under Chapter 27: maximum 15 ft in height, located in a rear yard, set back at least the side-yard distance for the district, and at least 15 ft farther back from the street than the rearmost wall of the principal dwelling.
View full Doylestown rules →Levittown, PA
Bucks County
Carports in Bucks County require a building permit under the PA UCC and must meet township zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits. Most townships require 3 to 10 feet side setbacks and cap accessory structure height at 15 feet.
View full Levittown rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Doylestown | Levittown |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes - Borough building permit | - |
| Max Height (detached) | 15 ft | - |
| Location | Rear yard only | - |
| Setback from Street | 15 ft behind rear wall of dwelling | - |
| Side Setback | Match district side-yard requirement | 3 to 10 feet typical |
| Historic District | HARB review required | - |
| Plans | 2 complete sets at application | - |
| Code | Chapter 27 (Zoning); PA UCC Act 45 | - |
| Permit | - | Required (PA UCC) |
| Height | - | 15 feet typical max |
| Snow Load | - | 30-35 psf ground |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Doylestown FAQ
Do I need a building permit for a carport in Doylestown Borough?
Yes. The Borough's residential construction guidance lists carports alongside garages, sheds, decks over 30 inches, and pools as structures that require a Borough building permit before erection or installation. Pennsylvania's UCC exemption for small accessory structures does not override the Borough's local permitting requirement.
How tall and how far from my property line can a detached carport be?
A detached carport is treated as an accessory building under Chapter 27. It cannot exceed 15 ft in height, must be located in the rear yard, must sit at least 15 ft farther back from the street than the rearmost wall of your house, and must meet the side-yard setback required for principal buildings in your zoning district. An attached carport must meet the full setbacks of the district.
Are there extra rules for a carport in the historic district?
Yes. Carports on properties within the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) overlay require HARB review and a Certificate of Appropriateness for design and materials before the Building & Zoning Department issues a building permit. Contact (215) 345-4140 to confirm whether your address is in the historic district.
Levittown FAQ
Who enforces carport rules rules in Bucks County?
Bucks County's code enforcement division is responsible for accessory structures ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Bucks County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating carport rules rules?
Most Bucks County accessory structures violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Bucks County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
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